The International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) was in attendance at the 2025 International Cancer Week (ICW) held in Abuja, joining stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond to advance conversations on cancer prevention, research, and equitable access to care.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to improving cancer prevention, research, diagnosis, and quality care delivery across the country as part of ongoing efforts to reduce Nigeria’s growing cancer burden.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate—represented by Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh (mni), Director of the Hospital Services Department—stressed the Ministry’s determination to strengthen the national response to cancer through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Professor Pate noted that the International Cancer Week, instituted by the Ministry nearly two decades ago, remains a crucial platform for training, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue among oncology experts, researchers, and advocates from within and outside Nigeria.

He commended the leadership of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for sustaining the initiative and aligning its efforts with the national health reform agenda. Addressing this year’s theme, *“Redefining Cancer Care: Prevention, Access, and the Future for All,”* the Minister described it as both timely and comprehensive, covering the full continuum of cancer care from prevention to survivorship.

“In Nigeria, we have seen a rise in cancer cases, and we must act,” the Minister stated. “We need to prioritize research, foster collaboration, and ensure access to quality care. Together, we can enhance screening, treatment, and community engagement to transform cancer care in Nigeria.”

He further emphasized that cancer has become a major public health concern and called for an integrated approach that builds human capacity, strengthens infrastructure, and promotes research-driven interventions under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and the National Cancer Control Plan.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of NICRAT, Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, highlighted the institute’s achievements in building international collaborations and strengthening local research capacity. He noted that the International Cancer Week has evolved into a global hub for groundbreaking science and transformative ideas addressing Nigeria’s cancer challenges.

He revealed that NICRAT has signed over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading international institutions—including Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the European Comprehensive Cancer Centres—to enhance research, clinical care, and training. The institute also launched the *Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation in Nigeria (SINCAD)* initiative, awarding ₦10 million seed grants to successful cancer researchers nationwide.

Additionally, he announced the commencement of the Nigerian Cancer Genome Study, focusing on mutation analysis and genetic variants in selected cancers to promote personalized medicine and precision oncology. He acknowledged the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewed investment in cancer control efforts, including the national drive to eliminate cervical cancer.

Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, emphasized that awareness and early detection remain the most urgent steps to reduce cancer mortality in Nigeria. She commended NICRAT for organizing what she described as the “most successful opening” of the International Cancer Week so far and urged greater inclusion of African data in global cancer research.

The event also featured goodwill messages and presentations from dignitaries, including Her Excellency Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, First Lady of Imo State and Special Guest of Honour; members of the National Assembly Committees on Health; Professor Anuja Dhingra of the Anderson Cancer Center, USA; Dr. Xavier Sinclair, President-elect of UICC; and Professor Ifeoma Okoye, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee.

Jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NICRAT, the 2025 International Cancer Week brought together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and survivors dedicated to redefining the future of cancer care in Nigeria and across Africa.

As an organization committed to strengthening health communication for improved public health outcomes, ISMPH’s participation underscores its continued advocacy for awareness creation, knowledge sharing, and effective communication strategies that drive behavior change and policy action in the fight against cancer.

The week concluded with a unified call to action for stronger research collaboration, sustained public awareness, improved access to care, and increased investment in cancer infrastructure, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda.